breathe

When we are tense, everything becomes constricted: muscles, arteries, and lungs. Deep breathing relaxes our system by increasing blood flow, releasing toxins, and opening up lung tissue.

Breathing removes carbon dioxide, which is very important to fully expel. It accounts for 70% of the body's toxin cleansing; the remaining 30% is through the bladder and bowels. If you don't breathe fully, your body has to work harder to eliminate these toxins. Breathwork is also excellent for strengthening your immune system and overall immunity.

Just as the heart pumps blood around the body, deep conscious breaths help circulate lymph fluid and boost immunity. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your inhalation and exhalation.

Breathe in deeply until your belly is full of air. Hold your breath for 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly and completely until no air remains. Here’s a great breathwork practice for detoxing the body:

Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge behind your upper teeth and exhale fully through your mouth with a whooshing sound. This will release anger.

Close your mouth and inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 7 counts, then exhale through your mouth for 8 counts. Repeat for 3 to 5 minutes, first thing in the morning and just before bed. This practice helps detox mental health issues, reduce anxiety, improve physical health by aiding sleep, and manage emotional health by reducing or controlling anger responses.

Remember, your breath is one of the most powerful tools you carry with you every moment of every day. It costs nothing, requires no special equipment, and can shift your physical, emotional, and mental state in just a few minutes.

With consistent practice, deep conscious breathing can help you release what no longer serves you, restore balance within, and reconnect you to your natural state of ease and vitality. Breathe deeply, and let each breath remind you of your strength, your presence, and your power to heal.